adminBruce Chikuni
GREEN Fuel goalkeeper, Tadias Baye, is leading the way with the most clean sheets in Zimbabwe’s top five leagues.
Zimbabwe’s top leagues comprise the top-flight PSL, as well as the four second-tier regional leagues – Northern Region, Southern Region, Central Region and Eastern Region.
Baye has kept 19 clean sheets in Green Fuel’s 23-match unbeaten run since being given the nod by coach, Llyod Mutasa, to guard the sticks ahead of veteran Chris Mverechena.
He has conceded only five goals.
The 26-year-old is making a huge statement and is a serious contender for the league’s Golden Glove and probably Player of the Season accolades.
Three victories on the bounce will see Mutasa’s troops being crowned the Eastern Region Division One League championship, and a slot in the PSL, for next season.
Green Fuel enjoy an 11-point gap at the top of the league table with nine games remaining.
Baye revealed that the trust in him shown by Mutasa made him realise his potential.
“Early in the season, everything was tough and I wouldn’t have entertained anyone that would have predicted that I would have kept 19 clean sheets at this stage.
“I want to thank coach Mutasa for everything.
“He made me believe in my abilities. I also want to thank my teammates and the technical staff for helping me.
“We still have a lot to do before we can see ourselves as champions and I also believe that the presence of Mverechena in our team has also challenged me to perform better,” said Baye.
Mutasa is credited with thrusting Denver Makamba into the limelight.
Maybe, Baye could become another product from Samaita to illuminate domestic football.
Prior to his move to the Chisumbanje-based side, Baye had stints with FC Mtoko and Bikita Minerals.
Cleopas Kapupurika, who played for Dynamos and Highlanders during his peak, is also enjoying a resurgence at Green Fuel, after being rejected by PSL clubs.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter